Blog Gran Hotel Sóller

The Valley of Sóller is a fantastic destination for many reasons. Its location, natural landscapes, endless hiking trails, the Mediterranean Sea, and local customs are elements that make this municipality in the Tramuntana region a very special place. However, there is another element that completes the experience of enjoying the Valley of Sóller 100%: its gastronomy. An invaluable aspect that, through local products, leads us on a culinary journey filled with Mediterranean flavors. And that's precisely what we're going to talk about today: Mallorcan and Mediterranean cuisine, and how our Sóller-born chef, Rafel Torrens, understands and conveys it through his culinary creations at Ca’n Blau Restaurant, our establishment. So today, we invite you to learn more about our chef, his journey, and his approach to understanding the richness of our cuisine. Welcome to Ca’n Blau Restaurant!

Being able to enjoy activities related to hiking, cycling, and nature in the Valley of Sóller is one of the elements that make this place in the Tramuntana a unique destination. Whether it's for the beauty of its landscapes, its possibilities, its gastronomy that complements the experience 100%, or for the ancient stories and curiosities that still reflect through the constructions and locations that, to this day, continue to remind us of the origins and history of our municipality. Constructions, in many cases unique, that contribute to beautifying our surroundings and that we undoubtedly recommend visiting to discover a piece of the magic that surrounds the Valley of Sóller. So today, we propose an excursion to a unique place in the Tramuntana: the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de l'Olivar des Fenàs, popularly known as Sa Capelleta. A Gaudinian-style temple located 3 km from Sóller that we can visit by walking or cycling.

The Valley of Sóller is one of the most significant locations in the Sierra de Tramuntana for hiking and mountain sports enthusiasts. With countless routes along the north coast of Mallorca, in this municipality of Tramuntana, we can enjoy nature in a unique way. Located at the foot of Puig Major, in the Valley of Sóller, we encounter unique landscapes featuring mountains as representative as Puig Major itself - the highest mountain in Mallorca at 1436m, Els Cornadors, or l’Ofre, among many others. Peaks that can be conquered through ancient and historic routes leading us among olive trees and ancient oaks along stone paths that have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011. So today, we bring you one of these routes, perhaps one of the most special, to explore two of the most important and representative hiking points in the Valley of Sóller: The excursion to Puig de l’Ofre through the Barranc de Biniaraix.

Mallorca Island is an ideal destination for those seeking to enjoy the Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear waters, nature, the beauty of its landscapes and municipalities, as well as water and mountain sports. However, it also boasts a significant historical component due to its strategic geographical location. The historical heritage of Mallorca is reflected in both the local culture, traditions, and the ancient architectural works scattered throughout the island. Buildings, caves, towers, and fortifications remind us of the island's past, its origins, and fortunately, still stand today, allowing us to visit and immerse ourselves in the stories these iconic places tell. Therefore, today we are going to discover one of these fortresses, perhaps the most iconic in Palma de Mallorca: Bellver Castle. A circular Gothic-style fortification built in 1300 by order of James II, the King of Mallorca, located 3 kilometers from the city and 112.6 meters above sea level, providing stunning views of Palma de Mallorca Bay, the Sierra de Tramuntana, the city, and much of Mallorca's 'Pla.'

If you've been searching for a place on the north coast of Mallorca to enjoy hiking in the Sierra de Tramuntana, you've likely heard of the Sóller Valley. Situated in the heart of the Tramuntana, between the Mediterranean Sea and Puig Major, our municipality is the starting point for numerous iconic hiking routes, such as the Barranc de Biniaraix trail, the GR-221, the route to L’Ofre, or the excursion to Penyal del Migdia. These routes vary in difficulty from moderate to even challenging, catering to hiking enthusiasts. However, thanks to its location, the Sóller Valley also offers less strenuous routes. Shorter paths closer to the urban core still provide unique landscapes of the Sóller Valley and the bay of Puerto de Sóller. They invite you to explore fragments of the agricultural history and export trade culture that have characterized this Tramuntana municipality. Today, we'll talk about one of these shorter routes that you can undertake throughout the year to enjoy nature and discover a place rich in history: The excursion to Els Cinc Ponts via Camí de Rocafort.

Another season has come to an end and the Gran Hotel Sóller will close on Sunday 5th November. This season was characterised as much by its intensity as by the joy of seeing old friends and welcoming new faces, permeated by constant enthusiasm.
 

The Valley of Sóller is known, among many other things, for its wide variety of hiking and cycling routes that start from the municipality itself and traverse the Sierra de Tramuntana, offering us magnificent landscapes. But if there is a perfect time of the year to enjoy these places, it is undoubtedly during the autumn season. A time when the Sierra de Tramuntana is adorned with yellow and reddish colors, and the warm Mediterranean climate gradually cools down to an average of about 23 degrees Celsius. This provides perfect conditions for hiking and cycling in the Tramuntana. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Sóller marks the starting point for countless hiking trails suitable for all levels, most of which follow paths along the Mediterranean coast and offer unique landscapes that can only be seen during this time of year. That's why today we propose a very special excursion, of medium-low difficulty, to enjoy the Sierra de Tramuntana and the Mediterranean Sea during one of the best times of the year: the excursion to Muleta.

When planning our trip to the Balearic Islands, the idea of visiting more than one island in a single trip may come to mind, and in the case of the Balearic archipelago, it's not a bad idea at all. While Mallorca is the largest of the four main islands that make up the Balearics, there are several options for traveling from one island to another with ease. Whether it's due to their proximity or the means of transportation connecting Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, taking a getaway to another of the islands is a plan we highly recommend if you have the time! To do this, there are two essential means of transportation that connect the four islands throughout the year.

When it comes to festivities, the Valley of Sóller is best known for the Sa Fira and Es Firó festivities. These are some of the most emblematic festivities in Mallorca, recreating the victory of the inhabitants of Sóller over the invasion of the Turkish corsairs in 1561. However, there are other lesser-known festivities that are just as important for the residents of Sóller: the patron saint festivities of Sant Bartomeu. These festivities are held at the end of August to commemorate the patron saint of the Sóller Valley: Saint Bartholomew. A patron saint who, in turn, gives his name to the town's magnificent central church: La Parròquia de Sant Bartomeu. That is why today we are going to talk about the patron saint fiestas of the Sóller Valley, about how to experience them and discover, with them, the essence of this marvellous village in the Tramuntana.

One of the Most Impressive Attractions of Sóller Valley is Its Marvelous Port. Being one of the most important ports on the northern coast of Mallorca, the Port of Sóller offers us a magical place to enjoy the summer. With a natural bay shaping its geography, this Tramuntana port features two beaches, a marina, a promenade, and a wide variety of restaurants where you can indulge in Mediterranean cuisine. However, today we will talk about another experience that, thanks to the location of the Port of Sóller, we can discover. A unique Mediterranean experience that will allow us to enjoy less crowded dreamy places, the sea, fresh air, sun, and nature. We're talking about a private boat excursion along the Tramuntana coast!

The Valley of Sóller is a complete and unique destination for anyone who wants to experience the Sierra de Tramuntana. It's a perfect place to enjoy nature, the sea, and local cuisine. It is located between Puig Major, the highest mountain in Mallorca (1,436 m), and Puerto de Sóller, one of the most beautiful ports on the north coast of Mallorca. These geographical features, along with the possibilities this place offers as a destination, make the Valley of Sóller one of the most iconic municipalities in Mallorca for an unforgettable summer vacation. So today, we are going to talk about the essential places and activities to see, do, and visit to experience the essence of the Valley of Sóller firsthand in three days and fully discover this fantastic municipality in the Sierra de Tramuntana without missing anything.

The Valley of Sóller is a fundamental destination in the Tramuntana for all those who want to enjoy nature, hiking and magical mountain routes. However, during the warmer months it is more difficult to do these routes comfortably, and although they can be done, there are other excursions that are more suitable for the warmer months. Shorter and less difficult routes that will allow us to discover very special places in the Tramuntana and that, in many cases, end at the sea. This allows us to reach our destination and enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean in a refreshing swim.

One of the most impressive destinations in Mallorca is, without a doubt, the Valley of Sóller. This municipality located in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, right at the foot of the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the most charming places on the island. Its gastronomy, its nature, its landscapes, its centenary railway, its port, its culture and its people, among many other things, make the Valley of Sóller one of the most visited places in the Balearic Islands...

When visiting Sóller and its surroundings, it is essential to appreciate the beauty of the numerous orange trees that fill the valley and the streets of the town.Sóller's citrus fruits have been the driving force behind the valley's economy throughout history and have fascinated artists and travelers from all eras.

If you happen to be in Sóller during the second and third week of May, consider yourself lucky because you'll have the chance to experience one of the biggest, if not the biggest, festivals in our municipality: The Sa Fira i Es Firó festival. While there are various events and activities that take place over the course of these two weeks, we'll focus on the four most intense days of this fantastic celebration that is rich in history, tradition, and culture: Friday, Saturday, Sunday of "Sa Fira", and Monday of "Es Firó".

The Sierra de Tramuntana is one of Spain's most impressive natural world heritages, and due to its large extension - the entire north coast of Mallorca - it is difficult to visit it completely in a few days. However, if we are in the Valley of Sóller, discovering this wonder of nature almost completely, its essence, its most spectacular landscapes, as well as its picturesque most emblematic municipalities, is much easier.

The Valley of Sóller is located in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, at the foot of the Puig Major, Puig de l'Ofre and Es Cornadors and therefore, in this place, and due to the fact that it is surrounded by the highest mountains of the Tramuntana, there is a different climate to the rest of Mallorca. A more humid climate in the colder months that offers us unique winter landscapes, but which can also cause rainy days in the municipality. However, due to this microclimate, it can happen that it rains in Sóller but not in the rest of Mallorca. It often happens that we leave Sóller with rain and when we cross the Túnel de Sóller we find that the day is clearer and without rain on the other side of the Sierra de Tramuntana. And so, today we are going to talk about a perfect option to enjoy your holidays in Mallorca if you are in the Sóller Valley on a rainy day: Shopping in Palma de Mallorca! 

One of the main attractions of the Sóller Valley is hiking. There are countless routes that cross the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range offering incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea and landscapes indescribable for their beauty and nature. Routes of different difficulties that in most cases hide an origin full of history, meaning and the reason for the creation of each of these special paths, located in a magical place named World Heritage Site. That is why today we are going to talk about one of the most recommended routes in the Sóller Valley. Because of its short duration, its ease, and because it is one of the routes that offers one of the best panoramic views of the Sóller Valley: The excursion to the Mirador de Ses Tres Creus viewpoint. 

The island of Mallorca is a magical place that encompasses everything one could wish for a perfect holiday: the Mediterranean Sea and its crystal clear waters, the Tramuntana mountain range and its hiking and cycling trails, the local craftsmanship and gastronomy or nature and its incredible landscapes among many other things. But in addition to all this, our island is a place full of history, festivities and millenary traditions full of meaning and that define the personality of the inhabitants of this wonderful island. And that is why today we are going to talk about one of these historical festivities originating in Mallorca: the festival of Sant Antoni Abad. Celebrated every year on the 16th of January, the eve of Sant Antoni and the 17th of January, it is one of the most deeply-rooted festivities in Mallorca. 

Christmas is one of the most special and magical times of the year all over the world. A time full of traditions, family, friends, illusion and unique landscapes, decorated with all kinds of Christmas lights and decorations, which transmit the spirit of these special days. But living these days in an already magical place like the Sóller Valley is, without a doubt, a unique experience for those who want to discover a relaxed, picturesque place surrounded by nature and peace. That is why today we are going to talk about the Christmas festivities in and around the Sóller Valley and how these fantastic dates are experienced in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range. Its traditions, its customs and its most magical places to enjoy these days of illusion and joy.

Another season has come to an end and the Gran Hotel Sóller will close on Sunday 6th November. It has been a very positive season, marked by the reunion with many familiar faces and new ones, but always with great enthusiasm after all the uncertainty we have lived through during the times of the pandemic.

If you have visited or are going to visit the Valley of Sóller, you will probably already know that it is known, among many other things, for being the starting point of many of the most emblematic hiking routes in the Tramuntana mountain range. Routes full of history that allow us to enjoy nature and fresh air as well as to discover incredible landscapes in this magical enclave located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Tramuntana mountains. 

As in most destinations, the Sóller Valley has festivities that are well known by all visitors, such as the Fiestas de Sa Fira i Es Firó, the Fiestas de Sant Bartomeu or Easter. However, there are other festivities that are less well known by visitors. These festivities are celebrated in most of the municipalities of Mallorca and have a long historical tradition. A tradition that marks and characterises the local culture of this Mediterranean island at all levels. That is why today we are going to talk about two of these very special days for Mallorcans, including the inhabitants of the Sóller Valley. We are talking about the Dia de les Verges and what we could call the Mallorcan "Halloween": the Dia de Tots Sants. A festivity which, despite having the same purpose as the Halloween we all know, is celebrated in a totally different way in our municipality. 

As you may already know, the Valley of Sóller is the perfect destination to enjoy an authentic Mediterranean holiday to the full. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, and connected to Palma de Mallorca by a century-old train, this Mallorcan municipality offers an infinite number of activities and experiences to enjoy unforgettable days on our island. Beaches, coves, stone paths, hiking and cycling routes, picturesque "llogarets" and cobbled streets, and, without a doubt, the local gastronomy with its star products: Sóller oranges and Sóller prawns. However, there are other very special products full of tradition and history that are also made in Sóller: sobrassada, botifarrons, fuets and, of course, pâté. And that is why today we are going to talk about one of the oldest and most traditional sausage factories in Mallorca: La Luna sausage and artisan pâté factory. 

The Valley of Sóller is known, among many other things, for being the only municipality in Mallorca that has a century-old train and tram that, to this day, continue to operate, offering an unforgettable experience to all its visitors. The Sóller Railway, inaugurated in 1912, runs through the Tramuntana mountain range linking Sóller with Palma de Mallorca along a route full of landscapes, history and nature that transports us, through a journey through time, to discover the essence of the Tramuntana and its idyllic landscapes. So today we will talk about what for us is an essential excursion if you are going to spend a few days in the Sóller Valley: the excursion by train to Palma de Mallorca, the capital of our island. 

The Sóller Valley is a perfect destination to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea and the incredible landscapes of the Tramuntana mountain range in the summer months. Its beaches, its sunsets, its neighbouring municipalities with their coves, etc. However, there are many corners and magical places that are not so touristy or well-known that are perfect for discovering the essence of our island and feeling its nature, its peace and disconnecting from the world in a pure and authentic Mediterranean environment. Dream places that we recommend you to visit and enjoy to the fullest. Places that end up becoming an unforgettable memory of our holidays in the Sóller Valley. So today we are going to discover two of these magnificent places: Alconàsser and Es Canyaret. 

Visiting the Sóller Valley in summer is a perfect option for enjoying the sun, the beach, the sand, the sea and the incredible landscapes that the Tramuntana mountain range offers us at this fantastic time of year. However, at night, all these marvellous places are transformed by the moonlight, leaving us with a Valley of Sóller with totally different landscapes and an infinite number of options to enjoy in this fantastic municipality and its surroundings when the sun goes down. That is why today we bring you several plans to make the most of the summer nights in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana. 

As many of you may already know, the most important festivities in the Sóller Valley are the festivities of Sa Fira i Es Firó and the festivities of Sant Bartomeu, patron saint of the Sóller Valley; however, there are other important dates on which the inhabitants of this wonderful municipality in the Tramuntana also celebrate festivities related to other saints. Festivities which, especially for the residents of Puerto de Sóller, can be even more special than Es Firó and San Bartomeu. That is why today we are going to talk about two of these festivities that are not so well known by visitors but which, without a doubt, we recommend you experience if you have the chance to do so. We are talking about the festivities of Sant Joan and Sant Pere. 

One of the main attractions to visit the Serra de Tramuntana in spring and summer are its paradisiacal coves. Idyllic places that connect the Mediterranean Sea with the mountains. Places to relax and enjoy the northwest coast of Mallorca, the sea and your holidays in the Sóller Valley in a very special way. That is why today we are going to talk about one of those magical places that we definitely recommend you to visit during your stay with us: Cala Tuent. 

Choosing the Sóller Valley for your holidays means choosing the possibility of enjoying the sea, the mountains and all the corners, landscapes, stories and possibilities that these two characteristic places of the Mediterranean hide. Therefore, today we invite you to discover one of those magical places, full of history and tradition that we believe you should visit during your stay in Sóller: the fishermen's quarter of Santa Catalina. 

If you love cycling, the Sierra de Tramuntana is, without any doubt, a fantastic place full of incredible places and unique landscapes in front of the sea to practice this sport. Especially in these spring months, when the weather is very pleasant and we enjoy much sunnier and warmer days. So, for all these reasons, today we bring you two perfect road cycling routes to discover the Tramuntana mountain range, some of the most spectacular villages on the north coast of Mallorca and, in short, a very special way of getting to know magical places in the Mediterranean while doing sport! 

Visiting the Valley of Sóller is a unique and unforgettable experience that will lead you to discover the authentic Mediterranean, Mallorcan tradition and the nature of the Tramuntana mountain range with its incredible landscapes, whatever the time of year you visit. However, there are special dates when visiting this fantastic municipality in the Tramuntana becomes an even more complete and special experience. That is why today we invite you to discover the Orange Valley at one of the most important and special times of the year. A time full of tradition, culture and gastronomy: Easter. 

One of the best things about travelling is, without a doubt, being able to get to know the true essence of the destination you are visiting. Getting to know the local people and their daily life, the tradition, the history and those places that, without knowing beforehand, become a fantastic and unforgettable souvenir of our trip. For all these reasons, today we propose a perfect plan in a very special place to discover one of the most traditional and typical products of Mallorca. The Ben Calçat factory of porqueres and typical Mallorcan footwear. 

If you are a lover of mountain sports and have been thinking of visiting the Sóller Valley, March is perhaps one of the best months to do so. During this month, the cold winter temperatures give way to a pleasant average temperature of 15ºC, which allows you to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of this beautiful valley with sunny and clear days. March is therefore one of the best months of the year for hiking and cycling in the Serra de Tramuntana. 

 Discover the unique natural landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntana: Sa Calobra, Sa Foradada, Cala Tuent, Torrent de Pareis

A helicopter trip, a horseback ride through the Serra de Tramuntana, a day of diving in the crystalline coves of the northeast coast or even a gastronomic visit to the most emblematic wineries in Mallorca: whatever the case, we want you to enjoy your stay to the full. For this reason, at the Gran Hotel Sóller we propose a series of different and original activities to do in Sóller and the surrounding area during your stay on the island.

From the Gran Hotel Soller we suggest some routes that can be done in one day to get to know Lluc (Escorca) and its famous Lluc Monastery, as well as the picturesque Sa Calobra, located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. We also suggest a visit to the Mirador de Ses Barques (viewpoint), a spectacular panoramic point from which many excursions and hiking routes begin, and to continue the day at the charming and relaxing Cala Tuent.

From the Gran Hotel Soller we propose several routes to discover in a day trip the most beautiful places on the coast of Mallorca, among which are Sa Foradada (a small peninsula with spectacular views), Sa Calobra (with its beach called es Torrent de Pareis as it is the mouth of a torrent and is located between cliffs and the other rocky beach that you will find just on arrival by boat) and Cala Tuent (a cove protected by the mountains and surrounded by nature and pine forests).

Would you like to discover the most traditional and authentic Mallorca? At Gran Hotel Soller, we suggest one of the most charming visits you can make on our island: the rural market of Sineu and the breathtaking landscapes of the Formentor peninsula, the Mirador des Colomer and the north of Mallorca.

One of the main attractions of our island is, without a doubt, its sea and its coves with calm waters and white sand. From Gran Hotel Soller, we recommend visiting some of these beautiful coves and enjoying the tranquillity and peace that our most serene corners transmit. Below, we present a perfect road map to explore the beaches closest to the town of Soller and all the details about the activities to do and the best restaurants to eat.

Visit the charming villages around Sóller. From the Gran Hotel Soller we propose several routes to discover the most beautiful corners of the island of Mallorca in a day trip. In the morning, we suggest you visit the oasis of peace that is Playa Llucalcari, with its crystal-clear waters, and the spectacular views and tranquillity of Deia and its beautiful Cala Deia.  In the afternoon, we recommend a visit to Valldemossa, where you can visit the Valldemossa Gardens and taste its famous coca de patata, as well as the Chopin Museum, an extraordinary cultural visit.

Do you want to discover the small and charming towns around Sóller? From the Gran Hotel Sóller we propose several excursions to get to know the towns of Biniaraix and its famous Barranc de Biniaraix, the picturesque town of Fornalutx, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. We also suggest some cultural visits to the Lluc Monastery, a famous pilgrimage site with spectacular views, or a relaxing excursion to spend a day at the beach in Sa Calobra.

The town of Soller has a lot of charm and beauty. We suggest what you can do in Soller on a spring day strolling through its streets full of tradition and colour. Below we list the different places to visit in Soller so that you can organise your itinerary to suit you.

Would you like to discover and get to know the surroundings of Soller whilst being in contact with nature on hiking routes? From the Gran Hotel Soller we propose you some charming and very diverse excursions, some of them are hiking routes through the mountains, others start in Soller, others are very easy excursions, and all of them are considered some of the most beautiful hiking routes in Mallorca:

We are truly pleased to inform you that we will open again our Gran Hotel Soller on the 14th of May 2021.

We would like to thank all our guest for the recognition we have recently received from Tripadvisor. We have received the Travelers' Choice 2020 award thanks to all the positives comments received over the last year.

This year we managed to get 4.9 out of 6 points at HolidayCheck. Congratulations to the entire Grand Hotel Sóller team!